Cemetery receives flag grant
Staff Writer
According to Harry Hafford, chairman of the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery Association, by June 14, of next year, an Avenue of Flags will grace the entrance to the Caribou landmark.
“The response to this project was totally amazing,” stated Hafford, “we started putting the word out about the project in December and we now have the necessary funds in place to purchase the 30 poles.”
The project is an Avenue of Flags that will incorporate 30 flagpoles (15 on each side) at the entrance of the NMVC, just past the island where the sign sits and will continue up to the existing granite entry posts. When completed each of the flagpoles, which have been purchased by individuals or organizations, will display casket-sized American flags, either donated by family members of an interred veteran following a service or one purchased in memory of a veteran.
Hafford stated that solar lights will be installed at the top of each flagpole, illuminating the flags and entrance. “My goal is to have this project completed by June 14, 2011” said Hafford, “and the flags will be flown from that day until Veterans’ Day. Beginning in 2012, the flags will be flown from Memorial Day through Veterans’ Day.”
Pam Scheppele, Maine Community Foundation officer for Aroostook County, recently presented Harry Hafford, chairman of the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery Association, with a grant in the amount of $1,500. The funds were awarded to assist with the NMVC’s Avenue of Flags project which Hafford states will be completed by June 14, 2011. Assisting with the grant presentation is Peter Huntress, Maine Community Foundation county adviser.
